Our Statewide Impact

Iowa State University’s statewide impact extends from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River in all 99 counties.

  • Nearly 20,000 in-state students are currently enrolled at Iowa State.
  • More Iowa high school graduates and transfer students enroll at Iowa State than at any other higher education institution.
  • Students come from all 99 counties in Iowa, every U.S. state, and 124 countries.
  • Well over 100,000 Iowa State graduates live and work in all 99 counties of the state.
  • Iowa State is consistently ranked in the top third of public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
  • Iowa State’s Christina Hixson Opportunity Awards program is the only scholarship program in Iowa that provides financial assistance to a student from every Iowa county.
  • The ISU Research Park (ISURP) is closely connected with the university, but operates independently to help tenants reach proprietary goals, and assist companies in a setting that encourages entrepreneurial ventures and working relationships with Iowa State students and researchers. More than 87 companies/research centers and 11 affiliates are located at ISURP, employing 2,155 and 135 people, respectively. In addition, there are 18 pre-incubator companies located in the ISU Startup Factory. Current ISURP tenants account for more than $100 million annually in economic activity. In addition, companies that started at ISURP and have since expanded or relocated elsewhere in Iowa employ an additional 2,500. The ISURP is paving the way for the next generation of innovation, thought leaders and employees.
  • As Iowa’s only land-grant university, Iowa State University connects with citizens through Extension and Outreach’s 99 county campus, including: 900 elected county council members, 1200 faculty and staff, and 100 county offices. Each year ISU Extension and Outreach directly benefits more than one million people and is responsible for more than five million educational interactions. Covering the entire lifespan from our youngest to oldest Iowans, we’re focused on feeding people, keeping them healthy, empowering communities, and turning the world over to the next generation better than we found it. That’s how we’re building a strong Iowa.

View a map of Iowa State University’s Statewide Economic Impact, and view your county fact sheet to see how Iowa State directly benefits your community!

*The information above reflects fall 2018 figures.